Discussion, Tour and Reception Monday, June 22 at 3 p.m.
Connect NC is Governor McCrory's $2.85 billion bond proposal for strategic investments in our state's transportation and other public infrastructure that will cultivate a stronger economy, increased jobs and improve North Carolina's quality of life. The proposed bonds will benefit projects from the mountains to the piedmont to the coast with investments in 64 counties across the state. Projects include investments in both small rural areas and large urban cities. Strategic investments have been selected considering agency priority, the size of the project and location.
N.C. Department Secretary Susan Kluttz will host a discussion of the new bond proposal Monday, June 22 at 3 p.m. at a celebration of Brunswick Town, a major pre-Revolutionary port on North Carolina's Cape Fear River that was razed by British troops in 1776 and never rebuilt. If the Connect NC bonds are approved by voters this November, Brunswick Town may receive $3.5 million. Accelerated erosion along the Cape Fear River is threatening to destroy historic resources including colonial ruins, a Civil War fort and several 18th and 19th century wharves at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site. This funding will supplement existing funding in the design and installation of an innovative new shore protection system for the site's entire riverfront.
"Currently, interest rates are historically low," says Kluttz, "so timing is good for this targeted, long-term investment in our state's future. I am thrilled that Brunswick Town has the opportunity to strengthen their shoreline to protect the historic site and to positively impact the economies of the local communities." No tax increases are necessary to finance the bonds because North Carolina's economy is strong and growing and, because the budget has been managed well, the state has ample credit capacity to borrow and repay the bonds with no tax increase.
North Carolina is growing faster than average and has surpassed Michigan to become the ninth most populous state - attractive to both retirees and new professionals alike. This growth impacts our state's aging infrastructure. Two bonds are proposed of roughly $1.4 billion each that will support investment in our state's transportation and other public infrastructure projects in education, public health, parks, and ports as well as for projects that support operations for our military.
During the Civil War, Fort Anderson was constructed atop the old Brunswick Town village site, and served as part of the Cape Fear River defenses below Wilmington before the fall of the Confederacy. Colonial foundations dot the present-day tour trail, which crosses the earthworks of the Confederate fort.